Marlins prospect Monte Harrison excels at Triple-A level

The first month of the minor league system has been nothing but successful for Miami Marlins prospect Monte Harrison. Harrison is the team’s No. 3 prospect and could be called to the parent club sooner than expected.

Monte Harrison is still the imposing slugger for the Marlins he was last season, but now the outfielder is having more success at the plate. Miami’s No. 3 prospect is enjoying the kind of success at Triple-A New Orleans that was hoped for him when the front office acquired him from Milwaukee last season.

When Joe Frisaro of MLB.com opened his “In Box” this week, the question of Harrison’s success in the minors and a mid-season callup was addressed. If the front office is looking for a spark, especially with the problems Lewis Brinson has been having this season, could there be a switch from one former Brewers prospect to another?

"“There’s a lot to really be excited about regarding Harrison, the Marlins’ No. 3 ranked prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. The 23-year-old projects as their regular right fielder, and could be a late-season callup,” Frisaro writes.More from Marlins ProspectsMiami Marlins: Checking in on prospects from the 2022 Arizona Fall LeagueMiami Marlins: How top 2022 MLB Draft picks performed this seasonWhat’s wrong with Kahlil Watson?Miami Marlins: Farm System rankings part 2Miami Marlins: Farm System rankings part 1“Or he may need the full season in Triple-A to continue to get his at-bats and show he can make steady contact. In 11 games at New Orleans, he’s hitting .357/.449/.619 with two home runs, seven RBIs, 11 runs scored and three stolen bases. Most importantly, his strikeout rate is 26.5 percent, down significantly from 36.9 percent a year ago at Double-A.”"

After watching the parent team struggle this season scoring runs and the current array of outfielders being shuffled and interchanged, the move to bring Harrison up before the All-Star break could become a reality. Never wanting to rush a potential star, the organization needs to be careful not to ruin what is been a successful start so far.

Harrison was a hit in the Arizona Fall League after spending last season in Jacksonville, the Marlins Double-A affiliate. While his power in undeniable, it is still somewhat raw. It may be the reasons for the more than 200 strikeouts last season for the Jumbo Shrimp. Harrison has legitimate middle-of-the-order power – something the Marlins need now and in the future.

As long as Harrison continues to develop his swing and makes contact, there is the reality he will be in a Miami jersey at some point this season. The Marlins woes this year so far make the progress of Harrison a good topic of conversation.

"“According to Marlins internal data, Harrison’s hard-contact rate is extremely high,” Frisaro added. “Entering Sunday, 44% of balls he’s put in play have an exit velocity of 105 mph or higher. The MLB average is 8%.”"